The Irish standard., 1887-07-30

at Cl6 IOOC OF Gn6 ulOuuUd1u. DuG VIC
must not SHRINK from the task we have
undertaken, though it's execution will
cost us many sore pang.
CHAPTER III.
my heart is broken, Mr.. Brian, said
Connor Shea.
He spoke in a hoarse, hollow voice,
while his worn, haggard aspect gave a
fearful significance to his words.
Good God, Connor, how changed you
are; and in so short time!'
NO wonder for me to he changed. 1
worked like galley slave. wore the
flesh off my bones. let my little
family go in rags, aye, an half-starved
'em, but it was no use; I was back a
few pounds in the rint.'
And why didn't you apply to me,
Connor? Didn't you know I'd lend you
few pounds, even if was obliged to
b)r it?'
You done too much before for me,
said Connor Shea; 'an', besides, saw
no chance of paying it back. He was
determined to hunt me as well as the
rest, an sure the wonder is why he
spared me when he was clearin' 'em all
off.
I'm after bein' down through the
county Kerry he continued, 'jobin' on
a few cows. Inever went through such
hardships as I did for the last three
weeks, travelin' from wan fair to
another, strivin' to make up what I was
short in the rint. I have it now, and
what called in for before I go over to
the hall, is to ak your advice whether I
ought to give it to him.
Il cannot venture to advise you one
way or the other,' replied Brian.
'Iknow myself it's to America I ought
to 60, but haven't the courage to take
them five young ones to strange
country-not knowin' what might be
afore 'em, an Sally isn't the stout, able
woman she was, either
'Tis a hard case, and wish to Heaven
it was in my power to help you
I'll 90 and pay this gale, anyway,
said Connor Shea, after some delibera-
tion, though I'm afeard the poorhouse
I'll be the end of it,
He went directly and presented him
self in the landlords Office. We'll, Shea.
1 hope my indulgence has not been
thrown away on yoll-nave you the
rent?' asked Mr.. Oliver Grindem.
Il have, SIR replied Connor Shea, and
he sighed deeply as he UNFINISHED faded
calico bag and took a bundle of
crumpled notes from it.
-Four pounds more, ConnOr!'
tWhy, sir, isn't it the half years rint
to the penny?'
Yes, Connor, but the costs-four
pounds to pay the bailiffs.'
what bailiffs?'. inquired Connor,
looking aghast.
sWhy, the bailifs / had taking care of
your haggard while you were from
home, and Mr.. Oliver Grindem rubbed
his huge yellow hand over his fabby
face, and turned his red eyes towards
the ceiling.
Connor Shea was literally staggered
by this unlooked-for blow. He grasped
the back of chair for support with one
hand, while he held out the other hand,
and gasping for breath, exclaimed:
Give me back the money, an We'll
give up an go to America
Mr.. Grindem sneered coldly. Pray,
Mr.. Shea he said, do you see any sign
of fool about me this morning?'
The pueates are plighted,' said Con-
nor Shea, as if in soliloquy; we have
nothing to live on but oats. If that's
taken they'll starve-starve, he repeat-
ed, while the muscles of his mouth
worked convulsively as he fixed his gaze
upon Grindem in a way which caused
the worthy magistrate to tap in a pc
culiar manner upon the desk. Imme-
diately a rufianly-looking member of
the crowbar brigade entered the Office.
May God direct me what to do,' ex-
claimed Connor Shea, as he moved to-
wards the door. He paused for a mo-
ment, and struck his hand violently
against his forehead.
'Give me back three pounds o. the
said he, 'and say you'll lave
'em the couple Nv stacks NV oats to get
over the winther, an I'll go myself to
America, an thry an sind for 'em
comm on spring.
A smile-no, it was not a smile-a
grin of triumph agitated the heavy,
brutal features Of Mr.. Oliver Grindem,